The Hagerman Foundation’s $120,000 donation was made as a stipend for scholarships, ensuring that students will be able to dedicate their full attention to the program.

“Flint and Detroit are experiencing rapid growth in the tech sector and encouraging women to be a part of that growth is vital in creating a flourishing, diverse tech industry,” said Jocelyn Hagerman, co-founder of the Hagerman Foundation. “This bootcamp is just the first step in a progressive effort for greater inclusion and advancement.”

The Develop(her) Bootcamps will offer training to 20 women full-time for ten weeks. Following the course, students will receive mentorship from the Michigan Council of Women in Technology, an organization dedicated to engaging current and future technology leaders. The bootcamps serve two purposes: to give people critical skills for tech jobs while introducing them to businesses looking for talent.

“Women make up a little more than half of the U.S. workforce, but hold only a quarter of the IT jobs,” said Grand Circus co-founder and CEO, Damien Rocchi. “At Grand Circus, we are focused on closing that gap by making it easier for women to gain real-world experience through intensive career-changing boot camps.”

Applications for the Develop(her) Bootcamp are now being accepted. Women who are Michigan residents and are looking to launch a career in technology are encouraged to apply. The boot camp will start July 18, and training and networking events will take place in both Flint and Detroit. Click here to apply and for more information about the Develop(her) Bootcamp.